Tagged: Miami Beach

One of the great things about Art Basel week in South Florida is you get to see a lot of strange things in the form of both art and people. After a few Basels, you may start to feel like you’ve seen and done it all.

But I’ll bet you’ve never had your fortune told by a gigantic, smoke-breathing dog named Gypsy.

Artist Desi Santigo has created an epic-sized installation at the Lords Hotel on South Beach. Called “The Black Lords,” it is a giant, inflated black dog with glowing red eyes wrapped around the outside of the hotel.

The UNTITLED art fair is the new kid on the Basel block. It's the event’s first year.

The fair itself has a distinctly South Florida feel to it. The large, airy white tent has soft, filtered lighting and looks out over the ocean. Adding to the Miami vibe are the girls wandering around promoting various kinds of alcohol by handing out freebies.

Among them were the Hendricks gin girls, Jacqueline Sanabia and Kezia Linden, who, I thought, were wearing some pretty snazzy little hats.

There is a lot to do in Miami during Art Basel so you may not want another item added to your list of “must sees.” Nevertheless, consider including this fair: Aqua Art Miami at the Aqua Hotel on Collins and 15th  Street in Miami Beach. 

The fair has a laid-back vibe, lots of art and a good-sized crowd that feels happening without being claustrophobic.

Often “Art Basel” is used as shorthand for the many arts events that coincide with the Art Basel fair itself, which takes place inside the Miami Beach Convention Center. 

But throughout Miami, galleries and artists are exhibiting their work so there really is something for everyone this week.  Below is a small sampling for various persuasions. 

You hate contemporary art: Endless Renaissance at the Bass Museum.  

David's Café in Miami Beach is a popular campaign stop for politicians. Now, it's become a site for protest.

A group of former workers claims they are owed about $70,000 in unpaid wages from a satellite location that closed in July.

Carlos Perez was among the protestors outside the main restaurant on Collins Avenue in South Beach Tuesday. He claimed its owners offered to pay a fraction of his original wages.

South Florida beaches are characteristically void of big, west coast waves. Visitors and residents alike can be seen swimming in the calm water, and sipping mojitos on the shore for relaxation.